Ultras are a type of association football fans who are renowned for their fanatical support. The term originated in Italy, but is used worldwide to describe predominantly organised fans of association football teams. The behavioural tendency of ultras groups includes singing football chants, playing musical instruments such as drums, their use of flares and smoke bombs, frequent use of elaborate displays, vocal support in large groups and the displaying of flags and banners at football stadiums, all of which are designed to create an atmosphere which encourages their own team and intimidates the opposing players and their supporters. These groups also commonly organise trips to attend away games.
Ultras of Levski Sofia
Ultras of Lazio
Barra bravas of Club Atlético Independiente in the 1960s
Torcida Jovem of Santos in Brazil. An example of a Brazilian Torcida Organizada
Association football culture
Association football culture, or football culture refers to the cultural aspects surrounding the game of association football. As the sport is global, the culture of the game is diverse, with varying degrees of overlap and distinctiveness in each country. In many countries, football has ingrained itself into the national culture, and parts of life may revolve around it. Many countries have daily football newspapers, as well as football magazines. Football players, especially in the top levels of the game, have become role models.
Fans of Kerala Blasters FC unfolding their tifo at Indian Super League
English football fans at the 2006 FIFA World Cup
South Koreans watching their nation on the big screens in Seoul Plaza during the 2002 World Cup
English football fans in 1906, Manor Ground in Plumstead, south east London